- Identifying the problem
The first phase of problem solving requires more thought and analysis and can be a difficult task in itself, is there a problem at all? What is the nature of the problem, are there in fact numerous problems?
How can the problem be best defined?
A good problem definition states the current situation and the desired situation. For example, "customer satisfaction has been rated below the 'acceptable' level", or "less than 5% of the targeted 20% of eligible historic structures are receiving historic preservation status." The defining of the problem should not imply any solutions or causes and clear and concise language should be used; and be both realistic and worthwhile to gather facts.
A primary source of group ineffectiveness is rushing to solutions before properly defining the problem.
Once a problem has been identified, its exact nature needs to be determined: what are the goal and barrier components of the problem?